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1999 Buell S3 ThunderboltProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints12 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage56kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 9, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine11
Vehicle speed control11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: cables

Recall 03V-427 · Oct 30, 2003 · 2,830 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR'S HAND IS REMOVED FROM THE TWIST GRIP, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 00V-037 · Feb 14, 2000 · 839 vehicles

Risk. A LOSS OF REAR WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITIES COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 00V-038 · Feb 14, 2000 · 2,912 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 99V-105 · May 6, 1999 · 12,321 vehicles

Risk. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buell.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other S3 Thunderbolt year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S3 Thunderbolt median. How we score

'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt, and the recalls they led to.

  1. THROTTLE FAILS TO RETURN TO IDLEPE03043 · closed Oct 30, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-427
In owners' words

What S3 Thunderbolt owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. LEAVING A STOP, THE ENGINE WENT TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. THE BIKE WHEELIED, I FELL OFF AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE ENGINE THROTTLE STAYED WIDE OPEN UNTIL THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR SHUT IT DOWN. I INJURED MY LEFT SHOULDER AND ELBOW. WHEN I GOT THE BUELL HOME AND…
Complaint 10693161 · Mar 9, 2015 · 56,483 miles

Own a 1999 S3 Thunderbolt?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.